Art

The Moraga Art Gallery will greet the holiday season on Oct. 30 with "Color Rhapsody," an exhibit featuring the work of two member artists: K. DeGroot and Ceramicist Ellen Sachtschale. At 432 Center Street in the Rheem Shopping Center, the gallery, ordinarily open from noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday, will be open daily from Dec. 1 to 24. On Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m., the public is cordially invited to a free reception to meet the artists, browse the collection, enjoy light snacks, wine, and live music befitting the gallery's festive holiday ambience. www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925)376-5407.

Artshow during November at the Orinda Books, Orinda. Lisa Gunn will be showing her oil paintings for the entire month of November. Reception at 3 p.m. on Nov. 22.

Music

Lafayette Christian Church will be hosting a Recital featuring Sofia Llacer Chamberlain (violin) and John Wilson (piano) on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. The program includes Bach’s Violin Sonata in G minor; Beethoven Violin and Piano Sonata no 5; Amy Beach Romance; and Stravinsky Divertimento. The recital admission is $10 and will benefit Iaso Arts Foundation.  The church is located at 584 Glenside Drive in Lafayette.

Stephen Hinerman and Fergus McNeill will be playing contemporary, folk, pop, indie, country and American selections on Saturday, Nov 16 at 4 p.m. The concert will be held in the Sanctuary of Lafayette Christian Church at 584 Glenside Drive. Free.

Annual Pride & Joy Concert Thursday Nov. 7 at 6 p.m., Temple Hill Auditorium (Oakland Mormon Temple). Cantare’s children’s and youth choirs unite from across Oakland for their first concert of the year. Come sing along in this joyous celebration featuring the 275 singers of Nova, and Music Stars choirs of Cleveland, Franklin, La Escuelita, Laurel, Lincoln, Melrose Leadership Academy and Piedmont Ave Elementary Schools. Free.

Holiday Concert Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m., Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church annd Sunday, Dec. 8 at 4 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Oakland General: $40, Senior: $30, Student: $10. Cantare’s Chorale, Chamber Ensemble and Nova choirs, accompanied by full orchestra, present Cantare’s annual December Holiday Concert. Always a holiday favorite, the program will include Poulenc’s Gloria and seasonal favorites that reflect the sentiments from assorted sacred and secular traditions.

Diablo Ballet’s 31st season: The Nutcracker Suite with added dances performing at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. 1601 Civic Drive. Performances are: Friday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.  and 7:30 p.m. Single tickets are on sale now ($30 - $58) with senior and youth pricing available. For tickets, call (925) 943-SHOW (7469) or visit www.lesherartscenter.org or www.diabloballet.org.

Live At the Orinda - Argentinian triple-threat Juan Pablo Di Pace (Netflix's Fuller House, Dancing With the Stars, Mamma Mia!) makes his Bay Area concert debut when he opens the Live at the Orinda 24-25 Concert Season at the historic Orinda Theatre. Oct. 27 at 5 p.m. Tix from $60 - $100 (VIP) www.OrindaMovies.com

Theatre

Miramonte High School Presents: Two British Pantomimes – Cinderella and Treasure Island. You’re invited to watch the talented Miramonte Drama and Stagecraft students as they put their own hilarious and unpredictable twist on the beloved British pantomime tradition with wild and wacky adaptations of the classic stories of Cinderella and Treasure Island. Showtimes: Treasure Island: Thursday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m.; Cinderella: Friday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m.; Treasure Island: Saturday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m.; Cinderella: Sunday, Oct. 27, 4 p.m. Purchase your tickets here: https://cur8.com/16216/project/125985

Literature

Join the Sweet Thursday Author Series on Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Don Tatzin CH at the Lafayette Library to hear a discussion of Holiday books with Pat Rudebush, Orinda Books, and Catherine Davis. This is a free event, but registration is required at Tinyurl.com/sweet-Nov2024. The doors will be open at 6:30 p.m. for coffee and treats. The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Lafayette Library.

Author Steve Garness-Holmes will be reading from his book of poetry, "Unfolding Light" on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. This event will be held in the Sanctuary of Lafayette Christian Church at 584 Glenside Drive in Lafayette. Free.

Join Nicholson Baker at Orinda Books on Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. Nicholson Baker is author of 19 highly acclaimed books, including "Substitute" (2016), "A Box of Matches" (2004), "Human Smoke" (2008), "The Mezzanine" (1988), "Vox" (1992), and "Double Fold" (2001). His most recent book, "Finding a Likeness: How I Got Somewhat Better at Art," takes readers on his journey to teach himself how to draw and paint. Along the way, he comes to see the power of art in our turbulent times. If you’ve ever wondered about the creative pursuit, you won’t want to miss this special evening. Information at www.orindabooks.com.

Fall-themed poetry reading on Oct. 29 at the Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School St, Lafayette. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. to enjoy complimentary coffee and cookies while mingling with fellow literary enthusiasts before the program begins at noon. Event is free. Email jrosen@lovelafayette.org to secure a seat and register for a chance to win a gift certificate from Reasonable Books! Presented by the Public Art Committee, Lamorinda Arts Council, and Town Hall Theatre.

Other

Flower Arranging Instructor: Laura-Kate Rurka in partnership with Lamorinda Village. Learn to make gorgeous arrangements from supermarket flowers. Laura-Kate Rurka will show you how to put together inexpensive bunches into interesting and beautiful combinations made from common blooms found at your local grocery store.  You must register ahead of time for this class. Limited to 12 people. Thursday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m to noon in the Cedar Room. Materials Fee: $25, payable to instructor at the class

The City of Orinda & Moraga Orinda Fire District (MOFD) Blood Drive at Orinda Community Center in the Founders Auditorium 28 Orinda Way Orinda. Friday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To make an appointment, please log on to RedCrossBlood.org and enter the sponsor Code: Orinda or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) Appointments are required. Donors will receive a $10 e-gift card and will automatically be entered for a chance to win a $7,000 gift card.

Night at the Library Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. A very special Night at the Library you won't want to miss. Food, fun and philanthropy! Tickets now on sale! https://secure.qgiv.com/event/natl2024/

Personal Finance Pop-Up for High Schoolers, an interactive workshop that brings personal finance concepts to life to help your teen manage money, avoid debt, and make better financial decisions, more important than ever in this Insta-Venmo-DoorDash world with soaring expenses. Saturday, Oct. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lafayette Library, in the Oak Conference Room. Limited seating. $25 per student. Register today at: https://forms.gle/ebqagHfwasjFZKKF7 or contact FinLitZ.Cal@gmail.com 650-255-4017.

Garden

Our upcoming Lafayette Garden Club monthly meeting begins on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 9:30 a.m. The program will feature member Kathrine Bergman presenting a “Holiday Floral Extravaganza.” Back by popular demand, Katherine will create an array of holiday floral arrangements. Admission is free and guests are welcomed. The club meets at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center, 3780 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. Please visit www.lafayettegardenclub.com for more information.